Obituary of Alfred H. Sheppard

SHEPPARD, ALFRED HENRY JR. (Shep) 87, of Atlantic City, died Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Northfield, NJ. Born in Philadelphia December 7, 1929 to Jean (Connell) Sheppard and Alfred Henry Sheppard Sr., he was the eldest of four children. Shep was raised in Atlantic City during the "Great Depression" by his Aunt Anna and Uncle John Wahl, along with his cousin John (Big Guy). He said despite hardships of the times, he couldn't have hoped for a better childhood then he had in Atlantic City during the 1930's and 40's. Shep graduated from Holy Spirit High School in 1948. He went on to work as a waiter in Atlantic City and Philadelphia in many celebrated hotels of his era, and continued his career through the opening of the casinos in Atlantic City. His wife Carole, of Margate, NJ first caught Shep's eye on the dance floor in 1963. They were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Margate on May 16, 1968. Shep and Carole raised their three children in Ocean City, NJ where they lived until they retired and moved to Barnegat, NJ.. His most recent move was to Somers Point, NJ to be closer to Carole, who now lives in Meadowview Nursing Home. Shep was always known for being social and outgoing, and truly had the Irish gift for talking. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Irish Club of Atlantic City, and a lifelong member of Local 54. As all who knew him know, his greatest passion was for Australia. He visited a number of times and fell in love with the country ---- as he would tell all who'd listen. Coming in at a close second was his love for Ireland, he visited there in his later years and was equally enamored. You'd be hard put to see him not wearing one of his Irish caps or sweaters. She is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carole (Naumann) Sheppard; his sons Christian and Trevor Sheppard; his daughter and her husband, Victoria and Robert Vanore; his granddaughters Brooke and Noelle Vanore; his sisters Bonnie and Joanne Sheppard; his cousin Evelyn Mauger, and many caring dear friends. He is predeceased by his brother, John Sheppard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Alfred H. Sheppard, Jr. 11:00am Monday, August 28, 2017 at Our Lady Star of the Seas Church. 2651 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 10:00am. Following Mass there will be a reception at Clancy's by the Bay restaurant 101 East Maryland Avenue, Somers Point 08244. Shep was an avid animal lover and was adopted by many pets throughout his years. In lieu of flowers, honorary donations can be mad to: The Humane Society of Atlantic County, 1401 Absecon Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC, AC.